Introduction
 This handbook will provide you with the information you need to advance your education through Washington State University Distance Degree Programs. We have tried to include specific details about every aspect of the distance learning process; even though you may be familiar with some of this information, take the time to read through the handbook and then use it as a resource or guide. As always, don't hesitate to call if you have a question or would like to offer feedback on how we can serve you better.
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 Washington State University Distance Degree Programs
Available Degree and Certificate Programs
Completion of Degrees
Eligibility
Distance Learning Courses
 DDP Staff
 Introduction (Adobe PDF)
 Washington State University Distance Degree Programs
Washington State University (WSU) offers a variety of distance learning opportunities for individuals to pursue academic goals outside a traditional classroom setting through the Office of Distance Degree Programs (DDP). WSU's distance degree programs are designed to meet the needs of time- and place-bound students through distance-delivered courses that offer convenient, high quality educational alternatives to students who are able to or need to work on their own. Distance degree programs are degree-completion programs designed for those who have completed a minimum of 27 semester (40 quarter) credits.
Washington State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, the regional accrediting association. To view more information about WSU's accreditation please vist WSU's Accreditation Web site. WSU is also a member of the National University Continuing Education Association and is listed in the official publications of the U. S. Office of Education and the State Department of Public Instruction.
Many, but not all, distance learning courses can be taken for personal growth or professional enrichment without being applied toward a degree, or, with advisor/departmental approval, may be applied to other WSU degree programs. Credits can be transferred to other institutions, but it is advisable to have courses pre-approved by the receiving institution.
WSU grants semester-hour credit for all distance learning courses (three semester hours equal approximately five quarter credits). The Office of Distance Degree Programs, located on the WSU Pullman campus, coordinates the degree programs and assists interested and/or admitted distance learning students in all aspects of planning for successful completion of their courses and degrees. Academic advisors, financial aid advisors, a career counselor, student service staff, and other staff are available via a toll-free phone number and e-mail (see Contacts").
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Available Degree and Certificate Programs
WSU offers many degrees at a distance, including bachelors' degrees, masters' degrees, certificate programs, and professional programs. For the most current list of offerings see the "Degrees" page (Degrees). Additional degrees and programs are under development. Academic standards and expectations for degree or program completion are the same and diplomas are identical to those awarded on campus. Degrees granted are NOT identified as having been earned at a distance on students' transcripts or diplomas.
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WSU Distance Learning Courses
Distance learning courses are offered in two formats: semester-based course and flexible enrollment courses. Both types of courses are traditional courses redesigned for distance learning students. Courses are offered through Blackboard, a collaborative online learning environment, and may include media (videotapes, CDs, DVDs), textbooks, Web resources, and other materials (e.g., lab kits).
Both types of courses also are taught by some of WSU's most outstanding instructors. In addition to having different tuition charges and limitations, semester-based and flexible enrollment courses differ in the length of time for completion:
- Semester-based Courses: Semester-based courses follow a regular semester schedule, which means you start each course at the beginning of a semester and complete it by the end of the same fifteen-week semester. (DDP semesters begin in late August, mid-January, and mid-May.) There are a few semester-based courses that follow entirely different time schedules (e.g., 8-week schedule). Semester-based course procedures are outlined in the "Enrollment" section of the student handbook (Registering for Semester-based Courses).
- Flexible Enrollment Courses: Flexible enrollment courses are associated with a specific semester of enrollment, however, students can enroll in flexible enrollment courses at any time and students may be eligible to extend the courses for additional semesters. Flexible enrollment course procedures, including enrollment and extension policies, are outlined in the "Enrollment" section of the student handbook (Registering for Flexible Enrollment Courses).
Please Note:
- All WSU distance courses are asynchronous and maintain the flexibility that is a top priority for students involved in distance programs; however, most courses have scheduled deadlines for completion of course work. Completion expectations are provided in each course.
- Be sure to check the start date of any courses for which you register. If you have questions, feel free to contact the DDP office.
Students in both semester-based and flexible enrollment courses can access their instructors and other students through their online learning environments. All students in courses offered through DDP can access DDP staff toll-free at 800-222-4978 or via e-mail (see Contacts").
A detailed list of the WSU distance learning courses, including official course descriptions, media requirements, number of assignments and exams, and fees (if any), is available in the alphabetic online course listings. Flexible enrollment courses are designated by "FX" on the DDP Web site (an "x" no longer appears after the course number); in the WSU Schedules of Classes, flexible enrollment courses are designated by "FLEX" under the "Bldg" column.
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My experience with Distance Degree Programs was remarkable, but before you embark on this educational adventure, you should realize that this program requires you to be self-disciplined and self-motivated. These are not "mail-order" courses to breeze through; they require the same amount of time as on-campus courses. I found making a weekly schedule and following along in the course guide helped me stay on task.
Aside from the flexibility and convenience, one of the greatest attributes of this program is the closeness between the students, instructors, and DDP staff. I have met several interesting people, including my best friend, through DDP.
Even though I live in the opposite corner of the country, I felt close to WSU. I explored several distance learning programs and WSU stands above them all; my advisor and the rest of the DDP staff were exceptionally helpful in making my endeavors run smoothly. I hope your educational experience is as astounding as mine. Good luck!
~Janean Furdoch
Longwood, FL
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